According to Seth Colby, Department of Taxation research and planning officer, outmigration since 2020 has resulted in the loss of $185 million in general excise taxes and state income taxes, or approximately $61.8 million per year. To place that amount into context, one percentage point of the Council on Revenues forecast, which determines how much can be spent on the state budget, represents approximately $100 million.
State Rep. John Mizuno’s appointment by Gov. Josh Green as state homelessness coordinator was applauded by many, including me, because of the experience and passion he brought to the job.
Coming up in Hawaii’s construction industry as apprentices, drywaller Trisha Taketa and carpenter Vaneza Austria were usually the only women on their job sites where they received side glances from older, male construction workers.